Can heart bypass surgery require cracking the chest open?

CABG: There are forms of CABG which require only a small incision rather than a full sternly splitting operation. All cases are not appropriate for minimal techniques.

Sternal incision: The sternum- breast bone is cut with a special saw and wired back together at completion and heals well in general. Done for most congenital, valvular and coronary operations for great exposure and safety and avoids other incisions in chest or groin!